CoTU Declares 12-Hour Shutdown, Mass Protest on Nov. 30 Over Army's 'Unwarranted' Road Restrictions

The Committee on Tribal Unity has announced a 12-hour total shutdown on Saturday, 30th November 2024, from 4:00 AM to 4:00 PM, protesting against what it terms as "unwarranted road restrictions" imposed by the Army in the vicinity of Leimakhong.

The announcement follows the abduction of an MES employee from the Army cantonment at Leimakhong, an incident the Committee strongly condemned while expressing full support for the ongoing search and rescue efforts. However, it criticized the restrictions imposed on roadways in the aftermath, calling them "regrettable."

Highlighting the tense situation in Manipur, the Committee pointed out that since May 2023, the Kuki-Zo community has been forcibly displaced from the Imphal valley by the Meitei community, leading to a complete geographical divide. The Kuki-Zo now inhabit the hills, while the Meitei are confined to the valley, with neither group able to move freely through the other's territory.

The Committee stressed the need for secure and unrestricted road connectivity for hill residents, citing persistent threats from valley-based Meitei militants. It called for immediate action to address the security concerns without imposing unnecessary restrictions, declaring the shutdown as a mark of protest.

The Committee urged all stakeholders to ensure the safety and freedom of movement for the hill communities.

According to the Committee, mass protests will also be simultaneously held at strategic locations, including Gamgiphai, Saparmeina, Keithelmanbi Military Colony, and Brig. M. Thomas Ground Kangpokpi, with parallel demonstrations across Saikul, Leimakhong, Kangchup, New Keithelmanbi, and the Twilang Region.

In a bold and uncompromising directive, CoTU has ordered the complete suspension of all travel, fieldwork, business operations, and activities in government and private institutions, demanding absolute participation from the Kuki-Zo community in the mass protest during the 12-Hour Total Shutdown on November 30.